Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular, balance, and visual disorders can be the result of head injury, stroke, viral infections, inner ear dysfunction, high doses of certain antibiotics, and the deterioration of the visual and vestibular systems due to aging. The Vestibular Rehabilitation Program at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center offers an interdisciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of balance, vestibular, and visual disorders.

Specialized professionals including occupational and physical therapists that are certified in vestibular rehabilitation provide comprehensive assessments and devise individualized treatment plans. The department boasts state-of-the-art equipment for evaluation and treatment including The SMART Balance Master with EquiTest and an Infrared Video Frenzel System. The goal is to return the individual to a maximum level of functioning in the home, work, and community following illness or injury.

Candidates for our program include individuals with the following symptoms:

Dizziness associated with position changes and head movements
History of falls
Nausea
Persistent headache
Double and/or blurry vision
Ringing in the ears
Difficulty reading and concentrating
Difficulty driving
Memory loss
Change in activity level

Patients are usually seen for a 60-minute initial evaluation with follow-up appointments scheduled for 30 minutes, 2-3 times per week or as determined by patient needs.